soccerguy1

See the score was close, looks like it was a good game

Nederland, PNG, and LCM have almost always had strong teams. I believe each has probably gone through their down years so to speak. Have not seen a High School game in a while but games between either of those three teams was usually an enjoyable one. Nederland good luck in the playoffs and LCM keep it up and good luck next year. And Hey, after the "simple observations" post previously it is good to see someone giving the referee a plug. Hopefully someone from each of the advancing teams keeps us updated for us who rarely get to follow the teams anymore these days.

Yes that has always been a some what of a problem here, that SOME officials in this area do not see the need to better themselves or reach for high levels. That has always been the accepted "norm". However, I still do not like generalizing all of our local officials as week. I have been to various parts of south texas for tournaments and can honestly say it is the same as here for the most part. Some of our officials on our games were excellent, some were good, some were mediocre. and Yes, I knew that I would receive "criticism" when I began officiating. I did not however, know that I would be called a variety of names including vulgar names, slurs, a cheater, etc just because some goof ball in the stands or on the sidelines "thinks" they know the rules. As far as ejecting the fans or coaches, sometimes it is just best as an official to not do such a thing as it will deterioate the game and that too will spill onto the field. Soccer is a huge game of psychology. Coaches use it with their players, players use it against each others, and referees use it to get desired outcomes from the game such as keeping players in control. Talking to some who still officiate, I think it has gone way across the line of the "norm" or acceptable. I would love to see the reaction of players, coaches and fans if a referee reverses the role and starts commenting and dogging a player for their performance on the field each time they miss a shot, miss a pass, are called off-side. The coaches, players, and fans would erupt saying how "unacceptable" that is. Well, it is the same, for those three groups as well. We all know you are going to get the "aww come on ref" or the "thats a handball". But when either of the three groups or like people on this post have done, start questioning an officials integrity, it begins to cross the line or when they make it personal towards the referees in the games, it crosses the line. I feel that this post could go on for months and we could probably say that though we agree on some issues most will just agree to disagree.

Ok, wondering if I should step off into this discussion or not because at times it really does not seem to be going anywheres but here goes anyways. As some have said previously, I have had the luxury of playing, coaching, and also refereeing. I have seen all view points of the games. Yes referees will miss calls, soccer is a fast paced game and stuff will be missed. Are the rules enforced consistantly, no way, why because the game of soccer is one big gray area. When soccer becomes where it is not as much of a gray area sport, I think the enjoyment of the sport will truly deterroitate. Why? Because with hard stead fast rules such as the DGSO rule where a player is automatically red carded, someone is not going to be happy. Now I know you'll say, well the player committed a foul against an attacker who was one on one with the keeper, it should be a red card. You are correct! Now, what happens when the score is 8-0 and a defender from the losing team commits this foul? Still think that it will add to the spirit or the enjoyment of the game if he/she receives a red card in an already dire game? That is why it is not good for the  game for some of the descretion that the referees have be taken away. Now, are the referees in this area lacking, of course. Is the knowledge, experience and skill of SOME of the referees in this area lacking, of course. Guess what, it is not different than any other area in the State of Texas. Having rubbed shoulders with many of those who still continue to do games (I do not) I know that there are some outstanding referees in this area. I know of a few who have gone on to do high levels of games and in my opinion are still some of the best referees I have seen. So do not say that the referees around here are not good, because believe me, there are some good ones. To the comment about the referee saying he didnt like a particular school. His comment was probably based around the fact that ever time he goes to a particular school to do a game, he receives a ration of sh*t from the fans, coaches, and sometimes players who are not controlled by those in the stands or on the sidelines. Though referees know that they have to take some criticism or griping, or know that there are idiot fans up there who really dont know the game but think they do, it is disheartening to be on the field in any level of game (but happens more in High School) and have fans up in the stands screaming derrogatory comments at you, telling you that you "suck" "blow" or do nothing more than sit up in the stands and further insight the players on the field, from both teams i might add. It is disheartening because most of the times, it is ADULTS. Why do they do it, they do it because they know they can generally get away with it. Bad part is, who does it really affect, it affects the players. The players on the field hear the fans screaming and unfortunately, it is contagious. However, I do not think that the referee that made that comment purposely called fouls against a certain team because he/she did not like them. It is also silly to quote statistics because some teams are more physical than others so some teams will be called on more than others. Some teams player the advantage or take advantage of "advantage" situations than others. So yes the player may have gotten fouled, but the player continued through the foul and the foul was not called. Again, statistics are silly. And lastly, yes the referees here do go to the same classes. It has been a while but when I sat in them, they are told the same information at each one, but as with most soccer referees nationwide, each sees the game in a different light based on their skill, experience, knowledge etc. I agree with those who say if you want to change how games are called in this area, join up, and see how well you do. If you're wondering why I do not referee anymore. Well here is my quick soapbox on that issue. I refereed for many years, did some of the bigger games in this area. However, I found myself dreading going to certain schools like the official mentioned in a previous post because of the constant badgering I received by students and fans. I found myself in situations at times where fans had followed me out into the parking lot. Ask yourself, why are there cops at UIL events, well that is why. Because some people take it past extreme and do silly stuff like that. After figuring out that I was tired of the badgering, that I was getting to where I did not want to go to many schools around here, I found that I was not enjoying it anymore. It is not worth doing it if you do not enjoy it, believe me, the money is not that good. Was I a great referee, by no means, but I think I was a good one. However, I did not feel that any human deserved to be treated or talked to the way I would be talked to by spectators and coaches. So once I figured out that I wasnt enjoying it, I hung up my jersey and stuck with the coaching aspect of it. I still cringe today when I hear some idiot on the sidelines of my sons youth soccer game ranting and raving over a hand ball that was not a hand ball and verbally abusing a referee. I see young children who are refereeing games that are getting talked to the same way I was when I was refereeing many moons ago. This too is disheartening to watch adults talk to a teenager or even worse, threaten a teenager in that way. Do they mess up, yes, but what is yelling at them, no matter what age going to get you, nothing more than a pissed off referee! So for those of you who are up in the stands and are unhappy with the level of officials on your games, look around and watch the guy who you think to yourself, oh that's just "that guy" who likes to jack with the referees. You may not like the level of officials on your childs games because the high level of officials walked and said "no way, I'm not going there to deal with that, I'll go somewhere else or quit". Ok I have writer's cramp now, enjoy your evenings.

With all the rain, anyone know what games are going to be played today? I imagine most will probably cancel

Are they playing today?

I think this game will come down to which ever team has the least amount of hotheads or better yet, which teams hot heads stay in check. Such talent from both teams yet the talent does no good if it cannot stay on the field.